Interviews with Leading OSINT Experts

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) has become an indispensable asset for organizations, law enforcement, and cybersecurity professionals. OSINT practitioners gather data from publicly available sources, including social media, forums, and websites, to extract valuable information for analysis and decision-making. To gain a deeper understanding of this field, we interviewed some of the world’s leading OSINT experts. Here, we present insights into their experiences, favorite tools, challenges they face, and advice for aspiring OSINT professionals.

1. What is OSINT, and Why is it Important?

OSINT, or Open Source Intelligence, involves the collection and analysis of publicly available data. This could include anything from social media posts and online forums to government databases and satellite imagery. The role of OSINT has grown in both the public and private sectors due to its ability to provide actionable insights at a relatively low cost.

“OSINT can be an eye-opener,” says Rachel Wilson, a renowned OSINT expert with over a decade of experience. “It empowers us to reveal truths hidden in plain sight. From investigating cybercrimes to supporting national security, OSINT has proven its value in countless ways.”